File Clerk: Duties & Job Market

File clerks, also known as record or information clerks, are a vital part of an office because they organize, retrieve, and update the information needed by the company on a day-to-day basis.

Duties of a file clerk
Depending on the technology used by the office in which a file clerk is employed, he or she may work with paper documents stored in file cabinets, computers that store electronic versions of the files, or a combination of both. In order to keep the office running smoothly and efficiently, file clerks must maintain accurate files that are easily accessible. File clerks must also have good interpersonal skills, because they will work with other employees who need information.

In many cases, file clerks work with highly sensitive information such as medical files or law documents. Therefore, file clerks must keep their work confidential and confined to the workplace.

Where to find file clerk jobs
There are many businesses and organizations that hire file clerks, but more than 90 percent of file clerks are employed in service industries, including the government and health care establishments, like doctors' offices and hospitals.

With proven track records, file clerks can move on to higher clerical positions within an office, including receptionist or bookkeeper.

File clerk training
File clerks are usually trained on the job. They must be flexible and have a can-do attitude when it comes to learning a company's system of organization. Most employers will hire file clerks with a high school diploma or a GED. Computer proficiency is very helpful because many offices maintain electronic files.

There are certificate and associate's degree programs in office administration, but these are not necessary for employment as a file clerk. Many offices, however, do require some level of computer proficiency, so those looking for work as a file clerk should learn or advance their computer skills.

Demand for file clerk jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for file clerks will decrease considerably over the next decade because many offices are switching to electronic filing programs that either eliminate or consolidate office jobs. It is important for file clerks to increase their office skills in order to maintain good job prospects. Staying abreast of new computer programs is a good way to maintain the skills necessary for working in an office.

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